Stewart, O'Reilly Trade Jabs in 'Rumble'

Pundits spar in 90-minute, zinger-laden debate

(Newser)
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Bill O'Reilly and Jon Stewart rumbled "in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium" of George Washington University last night, and zingers flew, moderators were overrun, and Stewart occasionally zipped up and down on a mechanical platform that helped him bridge the 10-inch height difference between him and the Fox host. The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly have a few highlights for those who were too cheap to fork over the $4.95 to watch:

O'Reilly on the country's current slate of problems: “Bush. Is. Gone."

Stewart's opening statement: "My opponent is completely full of shit."

O'Reilly on the war on Christmas: "We won."

Stewart on government assistance: "Why is it that if you take advantage of a tax break and you're a corporation, you're a smart businessman? But if you take advantage of something you need to not be hungry, you're a moocher?"

O'Reilly on including birth control in health care plans: ‘I’m entitled to my birth control paid for by the taxpayer?’ That’s insane."

Stewart on economic redistribution: “Give me back the $800 billion for the Iraq war . . . and it’s rubbers for everyone on me."

O'Reilly on Stewart's claim that America is only as good as its weakest link: “We’re only as good as CNN? Are you kidding me?”

Apparently some users had issues streaming the Rumble, which is now available here (for those who have ponied up the $4.95, who will also be eligible for refunds). Half the proceeds went to charity.

This Sept. 22, 2010 file photo shows Jon Stewart and and Bill O'Reilly during an interview for "The O'Reilly Factor" in New York.
(AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)

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